Major League Lacrosse: Boston Cannons Week 7 Check-In

The Boston Cannons and the Denver Outlaws have separated themselves from the pack in Major League Lacrosse, tied for first place with 5-1 records and the most consistent play of the six teams in the league.

Coach Billy Daye and the Cannons know bragging rights are on the line as the two teams face-off in Denver. But for Daye the more important fact about Sunday's game is this: It's the third game in a four-game road swing for Boston, and it comes in a festive INVESCO Field at Mile High Stadium.

“I wouldn't necessarily say this is a statement game. You have two 5-1 teams. There is some pride on the line, there's no doubt about it,” Daye said. “But for us, this is the third game on our road trip. We have four in a row. We're 2-0 so far on the road, and I think that's the most important thing that we're having success on the road and that's what we're trying to stress in the locker room.”

Denver boasts the league's home record (25-8) since its inaugural season in 2006, but Boston has won both times it has played at INVESCO Field, including last year's 16-5 win.

“Definitely when we go on the road and we play at Denver it's probably the one place that sort of reminds us of playing at home. ...That's something that the guys get up for. Our guys definitely enjoy this big-game atmosphere.”

The Cannons have won four straight, with their only loss coming at the hands of the Outlaws in Week 2. Daye is happy where his team is and doesn't see a need to shake up things very much.

“We need to just keep doing what we're doing,” Daye said. “We need to keep playing as we're playing on both sides of the ball and focus on playing more of a complete game.”

A different game

The Week 2 matchup between Denver and Boston came during the World Indoor Championships in Prague, and Daye knows that matchup isn't an accurate portrayal of either team.

“That was a whole different team on both sides,” he said.

The Cannons were missing key parts on defense, while Denver was missing some of its biggest impact players: Drew Westervelt, Brendan Mundorf and Bill McGlone.

“They're very good offensively. They've very balanced,” Daye said. “They initiate more with their attack, but they also have some very good midfielders. In terms of trying to stop their attack we think we match up well.”

“Our goal right now is to focus on the success we've been having on both sides of the ball and getting win No. 6.”

Who's suiting up?

The Cannons have about 21 guys in contention to play in one of the 19 roster spots against Denver.

Max Quinzani, who did not play against Chesapeake with a personal commitment, will be traveling with the team, but Daye has not yet determined if he will play.

Kevin Buchanan had a big game in his third game of the season last week, leading the team with four goals.

Finish Him

Coach Daye has been pleased with the Cannons' play late in games, but not so much with the starts.

Boston has averaged 9.5 goals in the second half over the first six games of the season. In the first half, the Cannons have averaged 6.5.

Last week was no different: Boston had 11 goals in the second half of its win against Chesapeake, and only one goal in the first quarter.

“The way we've been finishing games has been something of a real positive. We outscored those guys Saturday night in the second half on a nice little run there, and we've been able to do that very consistently,” Daye said.